Khulna hawkers demand end to demolition drives

KHULNA, Nov 11: Leaders of the Khulna Metropolitan Hawkers’ Union on Tuesday submitted a memorandum to the Khulna City Corporation (KCC) administrator, demanding an end to eviction drives and proper rehabilitation of affected vendors.

Hundreds of hawkers gathered in front of Nagar Bhaban, blocking the road and staging demonstrations from 11:30 am to 1 pm. The protest disrupted vehicular movement on KD Ghosh Road, between the Deputy Commissioner’s Office and Society Cinema Hall, for nearly 90 minutes. Later, the protesters handed over a memorandum to KCC Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju.

Addressing the demonstration, hawker leaders said vendors had been evicted from several areas in recent weeks, including Dak Bungalow, Khalishpur, Daulatpur and Nirala. The leaders said they had initially been told the eviction drives were temporary measures ahead of the prime minister’s visit to Khulna, but the situation had not improved.

Acknowledging that roads and footpaths should remain accessible to vehicles and pedestrians, they alleged that large shops often occupied footpaths by displaying goods, while hawkers operated at designated locations with police approval.

Their demands include permission to resume business in previously occupied areas, an end to arbitrary eviction drives, protection of goods from damage or looting during operations, and a specific KCC policy regulating hawker activities.

Mizanur Rahman Babu, Chief Adviser to the union and President of the Communist Party of Bangladesh’s city unit, said further programmes, including an indefinite sit-in outside Nagar Bhaban and hunger marches, would be announced if the demands were not met.

Union President Saleh Mohammad Talha, General Secretary Md Sanu, Baby Taxi Workers’ Union President Ashraf Ali and TUC leader SM Chandan also attended the demonstration.

Receiving the memorandum, Manju assured the protesters that he would seek a solution soon.